Day 11

No agenda today. Feels like a day at home maybe pulling weeds. The domestic energy made its way through the bedroom only so there are places that could use a hand or a mop. I still enjoy doing my housework and I do have Sheila’s phone number in case I change my mind. I’m restless for something new to do, or be, or have. As I get more physical energy, my need for stimulation increases. I want an engaging project.

Day 10

Yesterday was a good one after a week of not-so-good days. So the list of errands and shopping is substantial as is the list of inside work. Maybe the Domestic Goddess will drop in and take care of the dust and dog hair. I learned a couple more moves on the new phone and I like learning how to use it. The camera takes great pictures that I can include in the blog. I like keeping current with tech stuff.

Day 9

Woke up feeling much better! I want a good day with smiles and laughing. After senior center duty, a brisk walk is due. Karen used her magic fingers on my neck and made it feel strong. She gave me a phone lesson too and now I have more that I can do. I already want more. Jon brought hot chocolate chip cookies made with wholesome ingredients. They didn’t last long enough to take a photo. Today is new and fresh.
And the band played on....

Day 8

Patrol went OK. I did come home early. Still not 100% well. The wind was cold and I didn’t want a chill. Today Karen will give me a phone lesson and a massage. I remind myself that I learned a lot about the computer with help. I know I have to do the same motions several times before I have muscle memory. I’m sure the phone is the same. No sense having a device that I can’t maneuver at will.

Karen's farm house

Day 7

Police patrol today.  I will decide if I want to keep this duty. I’m at the place in my life where I want to enjoy what I’m doing and I’m not sure this qualifies. Maybe with a different partner. The new police chief may be proactive about recruiting and training civilian volunteers. Meanwhile, the new phone is at the frustrating point of the learning curve. Yesterday I gave up, turned it off, and said, Why did I want that thing?

Day 6

The drive to Eureka was beautiful. We live in a postcard of nature’s greatest hits. After visiting Megan at her apartment so we could play with Butters, off we went to Shamus T Bones for a delicious and expensive dinner. I dove into my filet like a cave woman fearing a sabre tooth would take it away. There were three of us sitting there with camera phones and no photo. What’s with that? I thought that’s why I wanted it.

Day 5

Today I will walk before church. I’m feeling OK with a few symptoms. Later we will drive to Eureka for family dinner at a steak house they like. Our birthdays are in a row so we have one celebration. I bought myself the phone, Hollie is getting a Kindle, she has a fitbit for Megan, and Chuck had his annual three day party. I want to use the phone well so may have Karen tutor me. She says it’s easy.

Senior news column

What can I do on a gloomy Saturday that would be interesting? Go to the Del Norte County Historical Society museum and find warm, friendly volunteers with stories to tell. On Mondays the research people are available to writers and people working on genealogy. Or people who have an interest in a place, a person, or a time in our history. The research room is a treasure house of documents, photographs, books, newspapers, and people with information.

I asked about Jedediah Strong Smith as his name is prominent here. I found out that Jed Smith brought the first white men, his party of trappers, to come here from the east in 1828. He brought the first horses, made the first maps, and carried the first Bible. His diaries found in 1934 described his weeks of explorations in our area. Whatever the facts are, Jed smith made an impact that is still with us today.

Phil Rovai, a seasonal employee of the Redwood national Park Service, learned a lot about Old Jed. While playing his banjo and singing “The Ballad of Jed Clampet,” Rovai made lyrics about the Smith party that are now sung around campfires. Here is Jed’s whole story complete with music. Why don’t you sing along?

“Come listen to my story ‘bout a man named Jed. Traveled from the east with some trappers he led. Then one day he hiked a river bed. Came upon some trees that were tall and red. (Redwoods, that is, scraped the sky, Jed called ‘em cedars.)

“They traveled up the coast till some rivers could be seen. The waters were so deep and cold and showed a brilliant green. The trappers said to Jed, “now, it’s the place to be”. So they set up camp not far from the sea. (Ocean, that is, crashing waves and sea gulls.)

“The Indians of Del Norte at first were quite afraid. But after watching Jed for days they finally came to trade. When food began to run out and the men could find no meat, the Indians were helpful and brought Jed food to eat. (seafood, that is, eels and salmon, yum yum.)

“So now you know the story of Jed and all his men. They traveled through a country where no white men had been. Today he’s not forgotten for a river bears his name. And also a state redwood park, a tribute to his name. (Jedediah Smith, mountain man, Bible toter.)

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